Good and Bad Points About Owning a Cat for a Pet

Soft and furry animals that are independent by nature and fairly easy to care for, cats are one of the most common pets people have. Families with cats often become very attached to these furry creatures, treating them as members of the family. Of course, as with any relationship, there are positives and negatives in this one, too.

  1. Environment

    • A cat as a pet requires very little work. Cats can be left at home for several days while their owners travel. Cats can live indoors or out. If you live in an apartment or complex where taking a pet outdoors is difficult, a cat can be ideal. Of course, one negative possibility with having a cat that lives outdoors is that it might wander off or get injured, leaving you and your family bereft.

    Training

    • Cats are easily taught to take care of their business in the litter box. They do, however, prefer clean boxes, and if their litter box is not changed regularly, the cat may refuse to use the box. Cats are generally easier to train to use a litter box than dogs, making them a good pet choice for an indoor pet.

    Sociability

    • The personality and sociability of a cat depends on the individual cat. Many people look for pets that will cuddle with them and socialize. Some cats, however, are not like this and prefer to be left alone. If you desire a pet that is independent, then a cat can be a good choice. If you are looking for a constant companion, you might be disappointed---although some cats are very social and loving.

    Cleanliness

    • Cats either have long or short hair. Short-haired cats tend to be less work than long-haired varieties because of shedding. If shedding doesn't bother you, then either type of cat is fine. If you dislike cat hairs everywhere, choose a short-haired cat. Cats are generally very clean animals, constantly grooming themselves.